Research
Group Meetings
Graduate students interested in joining the lab are welcome to attend weekly group meetings once they have joined the program. Please let the presenter know ahead of time so appropriate background can be added to the research presentation.
Research Summary
My research program aims to address challenges in environmental chemistry and energy storage while training the next generation of chemists in the crucial areas of modern inorganic and analytical chemistry. The projects outlined are well suited to develop compelling community outreach activities to raise awareness about science and inspire students to pursue opportunities in science and engineering. Students working on these projects will become proficient in inorganic synthesis, electrochemistry, and a wide array of analytical methods. As the projects progress and mature, the expertise of the lab will expand to include materials characterization and surface modification. These skills are at the heart of solving challenges faced by our society in the 21st century, such as renewable energy, clean water, and waste valorization. The group has interests in the following key environmental problems:
- Water purification. We study the speciation and electrochemical properties of oxyanions in water. We are interested in developing electrocatalysts capable of mediating the complex Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) reactions involved for energy-efficient water purification. We are targeting oxyanions such as chromate, nitrite, and perchlorate.
- Adsorption of contaminants and separation. We are studying properties of emerging contaminants such as the “forever chemicals” PFOA/PFOS to develop new materials capable of selectively encapsulating them in water.
- Energy storage. We study ion transport and ion-coupled electron transfers to understand fundamental properties of electrolytes for the next generation of batteries.
- Solar fuels production and catalysis. We are exploring encapsulation as a strategy to stabilize the activity, selectivity, and stability of transition metal catalysts.
Interested in joining the lab? Some projects are more synthetic and some more analytical.
Experience in some of these areas is appreciated but not required to join the lab
for graduate students! Depending on the projects you can expect to become proficient
in: electrochemistry, catalysis, inorganic synthesis, characterization of small molecules
(NMR, IR, UV-vis as well as mass spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction for example), and
a variety of analytical methods.
Motivated and curious students are encouraged to get in touch and to ask questions about joining the lab! Prospective graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to apply! Whether or not you already know what your dream job is, I am committed to help you acquire all the skills you will need to be the best job candidate you can be once you leave the lab!
LSU undergraduate students who are curious about the lab should email noemie@lsu.edu to discuss. We are frequently looking for motivated students. Undergraduate students are an integral part of the lab and should count on continuing their research in the lab for multiple semesters.